CJI Sanjiv Khanna Outlines His Vision to Make Courts Approachable, User Friendly

New Delhi, November 11: With a citizen centric agenda, the newly appointed Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna outlined his vision to make courts "approachable and user friendly" and asserted that judiciary is an integral, yet distinct and independent part of the governance system.

Addressing the challenges, the 51st Chief Justice identified the need to tackle case backlogs, making litigation affordable and accessible, and a need for simplifying complex legal procedures. Justice Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India today. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna. Justice Sanjiv Khanna Commences Judicial Proceedings As 51st Chief Justice of India, Thanks Lawyers for Wishing Him Well.

Expressing immense honour in heading the third wing of democracy, CJI Khanna emphasised that "Judiciary is an integral, yet distinct and independent part of the governance system. The Constitution trusts upon us the role of constitutional guardian, protector of fundamental rights, and responsibility to fulfill the important task of being service provider of justice".

CJI aims to adopt a self-evaluative approach which is receptive and responsive to feedback in its working. Making judgments comprehensible to the citizens and promoting mediation will be his priority, said the Chief Justice. Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn-In as New CJI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Wishes New Chief Justice of India, Exudes Confidence That He Will Serve Judiciary With Distinction.

"Justice delivery framework in terms of providing equal treatment necessitates fair opportunity to succeed to all, regardless of status, wealth or power, and a just and unbiased adjudication. These mark our core principles", the Chief asserted.

"The responsibility entrusted upon us affirms our commitment as protectors of citizens' rights and as dispute resolvers. It is our constitutional duty to ensure easy access to justice to all citizens of our great nation.", the Chief Justice of India said.

The Chief Justice underscored the need for focused reforms on criminal case management. He aimed to work on reducing trial duration through adoption of a systematic approach, and positioning justice delivery mechanism to ensure that process of law is "not gruelling for the citizens", as one of the top priorities.

Chief Justice Khanna today succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday. Justice Khanna, 64, will serve a six-month tenure as the Chief Justice of India and is expected to retire on May 13, 2025. Justice Khanna is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of former Supreme Court judge HR Khanna.

Justice Khanna has been part of several landmark judgments, including upholding the sanctity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), declaring Electoral Bonds scheme unconstitutional, abrogation of Article 370 that gave Jammu and Kashmir its special status, granting interim bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna had enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and initially practised practiced at the district courts at the Tis Hazari complex, and later in High Court of Delhi and tribunals. He had a long tenure as the senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department. In 2004, he was appointed as the standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

He was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005 and was made a permanent judge in 2006. Justice Khanna was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.

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